Bhangra music comes to Llanelli

Residents of Llanelli have had the opportunity to enjoy an evening of Bhangra music.
The Ethnic Minorities Help Association (EMHA) held a Bhangra night at the Antioch Centre, in Copperworks Road, Llanelli.
The Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab) group of musicians and dancers from Cardiff performed.
The event was funded by the Communities First Trust Fund.
The EMHA periodically arranges such social events to showcase the rich culture of diverse ethnic minorities of the area and enable their neighbours and friends to participate and enjoy.
Communities First Development Officer Farah Aziz said: “Bhangra night was held for the very first time in Llanelli to highlight the vibrant culture of the Punjabi community from India and Pakistan who have now made Llanelli their home.
“It was a well attended by a mix of local communities of the area including a large number of ethnic Welsh.”
Bhangra is music from Punjab and it is common to areas of Punjab in India and Pakistan.
It started as a rural folk music but with time has become popular music even in the UK.
The focal instrument of Bhangra is the drum.
A Bhangra dance workshop was also held by the dancers after which the community also joined the dance floor and danced with enthusiasm.
The event was free and an Asian and Western buffet dinner was served during the break.
Farah Aziz said: “This event was an effort on part of Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First and EMHA to build community cohesion.
“A Monitoring and Evaluation form was given to all attending to fill. Most comments were very positive and people have suggested that such event should be held regularly showcasing other communities as well.
“People appreciated the efforts of EMHA and Communities First in holding such an event.”